Illinois’ Johnny Newton named Lombardi Award Semifinalist

Another week, another Johnny Newton headline.

The junior DL has been as good as advertised, as he is now one of just 12 semifinalists for the coveted Rotary Lombardi Award.

This accolade is annually given to the best college football lineman of the year. The first award was given out in 1970.

When taking candidates into consideration, the program looks for a player “who best embodies the values and spirit of NFL’s legendary coach Vince Lombardi.”

Of the semifinalists, Newton is the only defensive tackle. Other notable players include Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Alabama outside linebacker Dallas Turner.

Past winners include NFL Hall of Famers Warren Sapp, Orlando Pace (twice) and when the award branched out to all positions from 2017-20, Joe Burrow even won it. Not too bad of company to be around.

So far this season, Newton has tallied 35 tackles, 4 1/2 tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks, two pass breakups, two blocked kicks (tied…